“The frequency of these incidents has markedly increased in recent weeks and this is causing significant distress in the village"

A string of crimes in Rainford are causing “significant distress” in the village, campaigners have claimed.

Members of Rainford Action Group (RAG) said the level of crime in the village has become such an issue that they felt it necessary to write to Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner, Jane Kennedy.

Ms Kennedy was told in the letter that the frequency of crimes in Rainford has “markedly increased” in recent weeks.

The letter said: “In recent months, we have been regularly contacted by Rainford residents who have been the victims of crime; either homeowners whose property has been broken into, small business owners whose businesses have been broken into, or car owners who have had their vehicles stolen or damaged.

“The frequency of these incidents has markedly increased in recent weeks and this is causing significant distress in the village.

“We, as Rainford residents, are seeking reassurance from you that this issue is being taken seriously and measures will be taken to tackle what’s happening.

“Residents tell us they don’t feel Merseyside Police is currently doing enough to protect people and property in Rainford.”

Members said in the letter that they are “very sympathetic” to the force’s financial challenges.

Since 2010 Merseyside Police has lost more than 1,000 officers and almost half of its PCSOs due to government funding cuts.

And Ms Kennedy told the Local Democracy Reporter Service the force is now facing a “major budget crisis” that will see further reductions.

Ms Kennedy said: “Sadly, we now know that this government will not give further financial assistance to Merseyside Police.

“It leaves us facing a major budget crisis which will require very difficult decisions.

“This situation will not help the residents of Rainford as the police service will have to reduce even further.

“These cuts have forced Merseyside Police to change the way they police our communities.

“Every incident is assessed on the threat, harm and risk it poses to the public of Merseyside and the sad truth is the force can no longer do everything it once did.”

Last week the commissioner officially opened Rainford Community Police Station based in the Village Hall on Church Road.

The opening is part of the crime commissioner’s 10-year strategy to update the force’s “ageing estate” and save money for the frontline.

“I understand the concerns of local residents and sympathise with all those who have been affected by incidents in Rainford.

“The chief constable (Andy Cooke) and I do take these incidents seriously.

“The police remain committed to delivering visible, neighbourhood policing and, just last week, I opened a community police station in Rainford to ensure the local policing team are accessible to the community and weekly surgeries will be held there.

“This is a promise I made which I am pleased to keep.

“I know that the local police team is also very active and meets with councillors on a monthly basis.”